Flight Safety Information
February 24, 2017 - No. 041
NBAA Accepts Unmanned Safety Institute's Online UAS Course
Incident: Avianca Brasil A320 near Sao Paulo on Feb 23rd 2017, smoke in cockpit
Accident: Flybe DH8D at Amsterdam on Feb 23rd 2017, right main gear collapse on
landing
Incident: Flybe DH8D near Glasgow on Feb 23rd 2017, engine shut down in flight
Aero L-39 Albatros Runway Accident (Australia)
Southwest Flight to Chicago Makes Emergency Landing in Omaha
PIA investigating security breach after 7 passengers forced to stand during flight
IndiGo to induct 25-30 A-320 Neo aircraft over a year
Sikorsky - PZL Mielec prepares multirole M28® airplane
Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Cuba diverted to Dulles with mechanical problems
The 8 most highly regarded airlines in the world
Ethiopian Airlines graduates 184 aviation professionals
ICAO will revaluate Thai red flag status
Minister Marc Garneau shines light on serious safety issue (Canada)
Federal agents ask domestic flight passengers to show IDs in search for undocumented
immigrant
Has my pilot had too much to drink? It depends where you fly
Embraer Phenom 300 most delivered business jet 4th year in a row
Business Jet Deliveries Drop to Lowest Level Since 2004
Air Force Stumped by Trump's Claim of $1 Billion Savings on Jet
Inaugural U.S. - China General Aviation Business Conference Scheduled for March 25-31
Incident: Avianca Brasil A320 near Sao Paulo on Feb 23rd 2017, smoke in cockpit
An Avianca Brasil Airbus A320-200, registration PR-OCN performing flight O6-6304 from Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP to
Recife,PE (Brazil) with 156 people on board, was climbing through FL260 out of Sao Paulo when the crew decided to
return to Sao Paulo reporting smoke in the cockpit. The aircraft landed safely back about 60 minutes after departure.
A replacement A320-200 registration PR-ONX reached Recife with a delay of 3 hours.
The airline reported the aircraft returned as a precaution.
http://avherald.com/h?article=4a552873&opt=0
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Accident: Flybe DH8D at Amsterdam on Feb 23rd 2017, right main gear collapse on
landing
A Flybe de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration G-JECP performing flight BE-1284 from Edinburgh,SC (UK) to Amsterdam
(Netherlands) with 59 people on board, landed on Amsterdam's runway 22 at about 16:55L (15:55Z) but came to a stop on
the runway with the right main gear collapsed. The crew declared Mayday, Mayday, Mayday reporting the gear had
collapsed, they were evacuating onto the runway. Tower reported fire brigades were already on their way and instructed the
next arrivals to go around. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
A passenger reported the right main gear collapsed upon touch down.
A storm front is currently moving across Europe battering Ireland, UK, Benelux and Germany.
http://avherald.com/h?article=4a550e8d&opt=0
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Incident: Flybe DH8D near Glasgow on Feb 23rd 2017, engine shut down in flight
A Flybe de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration G-JEDP performing flight BE-783 from Glasgow,SC to Birmingham,EN
(UK) with 46 people on board, was enroute at FL190 about 30nm south of Glasgow when the crew decided to shut the #1
engine (PW150) down and to return to Glasgow. The aircraft landed safely back in Glasgow about 20 minutes later.
The flight was cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto the next flights.
The airline reported the crew shut the engine down as a precaution.
http://avherald.com/h?article=4a55266b&opt=0
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Aero L-39 Albatros Runway Accident (Australia)
Date:
24-FEB-2017
Time:
03:40 p.m.
Type:
Aero L-39 Albatros
Owner/operator:
Private
Registration:
VH-KVZ
C/n / msn:
630640
Fatalities:
Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:
0
Airplane damage:
Minor
Location:
Bankstown Airport, Sydney - Australia
Phase:
Landing
Nature:
Private
Departure airport:
YSBK
Destination airport:
YBNA
Narrative:
The plane crash landed on the runway of the airport. There were no personal injuries.
Sources:
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=193781
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Southwest Flight to Chicago Makes Emergency Landing in Omaha
A Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Denver to Chicago's Midway Airport made an emergency
landing in Omaha after an "unusual odor" was detected in the cabin Thursday, the airline
confirmed.
The captain of flight 4378 landed the plane safely, the airline said. All 140 customers and five crew
members will continue to Chicago on a different plane and are expected to arrive two hours behind
schedule.
The original aircraft is out of service for a maintenance review, Southwest Airlines said in a
statement.
A tweet reportedly from a passenger on the plane reads "they just brought firemen on, and now
they are making us get off the plane."
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Southwest-Flight-to-Chicago-Makes-Emergency-Landing-
in-Omaha-414658403.html
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PIA investigating security breach after 7 passengers forced to stand during flight
Seven passengers were forced to stand on a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from
Karachi to Madina on January 20, despite having paid for their respective seats.
The airline boarded passengers on the overbooked flight PK-743 in a serious breach of air safety
regulations. The seven excess passengers were forced to stand throughout for the entirety of the
four-hour flight.
According to sources, the national carrier's management, including the pilot, senior purser and
traffic staffers are shifting blame on each other for not being vigilant enough.
12 staffers of PIA arrested in heroin case
The aircraft, a Boeing 777, had a seating alignment for 409 people, including jump seats, but due
to negligence, the airliner had 416 passengers aboard.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, PIA spokesperson Danyal Gilani said, "The matter is being
investigated closely and anyone found guilty will be taken to task."
Captain Anwer Adil, who operated the flight on January 20, said in a statement, "After take-off
when I came out of the cockpit, the senior purser informed me that there were some extra people
who were boarded by traffic staff. I also noticed that some of them were people whom I had
categorically refused jump seats at the check-in counter before the flight when they approached
me for grant of the jump seat."
He alleged that they were from the flight services department. "I had already left and the senior
purser did not point out extra passengers before closing the aircraft door. Therefore after take-off,
immediate landing back in Karachi was not possible. It may be appreciated that immediate landing
in Karachi after take-off required a lot of fuel dumping which was not in the interest of the airline,"
he added.
Further, the captain said, "In Madina and after landing in Karachi from return flight, I could not
highlight this fact in the captain's debrief."
PIA rubbishes reports of technical fault in international flight
He also said, "It was the responsibility of the senior purser to ensure that the number of
passengers tallied with the trim sheet (airline document) and that if there were any extra
passengers, she should not have accepted them. It was her responsibility to not close the door if
the number of passengers did not tally with the trim sheet."
The traffic staff was equally responsible as they were under obligation to ensure that only
passengers as per the trim sheet board the aircraft and there were no extra passengers on board,
the captain further added.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1337443/pia-investigating-security-breach-7-passengers-forced-
stand-flight/
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IndiGo to induct 25-30 A-320 Neo aircraft over a year
IndiGo plans to induct 25-30 aircraft into its fleet in the next 400 days. Most of these will be Airbus
A-320 New Engine Option, or Neo version.
The latest additions will see the total fleet strength of the 11-year-old, Delhi head-quartered low-
cost airline touch 158 aircraft, sources indicated.
Incidentally, after starting its first flight in 2006, it was only in 2009 that IndiGo took delivery of its
25th aircraft. Now, it plans to induct 25-30 aircraft in a span of just over a year.
When contacted, IndiGo declined to offer comment on its induction plan.
The airline has not disclosed the latest induction programme beyond company President Aditya
Ghosh.
Expanded fleet
At its third-quarter FY17 financial results conference call on January 31, it had said it expects to
end the current fiscal with 20 Neo aircraft in its fleet.
IndiGo had ordered 430 Neo aircraft, the first of which landed in Delhi in March 2016 after a non-
stop flight from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France.
The Neo is distinguished by its large engine - 81 inches as compared to 61 inches of the Current
Engine Option (Ceo). It also has large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which will together deliver 15 per
cent in fuel savings from day one.
IndiGo became the second airline globally after German carrier Lufthansa to induct the latest
civilian aircraft in its fleet. GoAir and Air India are the other domestic airlines which have the
Airbus Neo in their fleet.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/indigo-to-induct-2530-a320-neo-aircraft-
over-a-year/article9557676.ece
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Sikorsky - PZL Mielec prepares multirole M28® airplane for transatlantic leg of Latin
American and Caribbean tour Friday, Feb 24, 2017
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company and its affiliate PZL Mielec are finalizing an M28
short takeoff and landing airplane for its transatlantic flight from southeast Poland to Latin America
and the Caribbean.
Once in the region, the 7,500 kg (16,500 lb.) twin turboprop airplane will demonstrate to
interested militaries and commercial transport its ability to move people and cargo into short,
unpaved or underdeveloped airstrips. The tour begins in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago on March
17, 2017 before visiting 12 other cities through mid-May across Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador,
Colombia, Panama and Mexico.
Engineers at PZL Mielec have given the newly built airplane - serial number AJE00347 - its final
coat of paint, and the necessary equipment that will showcase the plane's quick conversion to
passenger configuration, paratroop, cargo transport or casualty evacuation.
PZL pilots and aircrew will fly the aircraft from Mielec, Poland, on February 24 to Denmark, then
begin the maritime leg to Scotland and Iceland. The aircraft arrives in Kulusuk, Greenland on
February 28 after 2,164 nm and approximately 10 hours of transatlantic flying.
"The westward transatlantic crossing in mid-winter is just one example of extreme weather flying
for this rugged and reliable M28 airplane," said Mariusz Kubryn, M28 chief designer. "By the end of
the demonstration tour in Latin America this spring, the aircraft will have flown 14,500 km over
mountain ranges and oceans, taken off and landed on jungle and island airstrips, and shown its
ability to perform under hot and icing conditions."
The M28 aircraft is certified by Brazil's ANAC, and by EASA and the FAA to perform in minus 50°C
to 50°C temperatures. The airframe's ice protection system is certified for flight into known icing
conditions.
A high-lift wing, two 1,100 shp (820 kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-65B turboprop engines, and
thrust-reversing propellers give the airplane unique short takeoff and landing capabilities. With a
maximum payload of 2,300 kg (5,000 lb), the M28 can take off and land on rough airstrips just
548 meters (1,800 ft.) long.
"When you combine the maneuverability of the M28 with its large cabin and clamshell rear doors,
this airplane has the power and payload to fly very different mission profiles," noted Adam
Schierholz, Sikorsky's regional executive for Latin America. "Militaries and commercial airlines
across Latin America and the Caribbean have expressed tremendous interest in the diverse and
unique capabilities of this exceptional airplane."
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products and services.
For more information, please visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com
http://www.yourcommunicationnews.com/
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Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Cuba diverted to Dulles with mechanical
problems
WASHINGTON (ABC7) - A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Cuba was diverted to Dulles
International Airport Thursday morning due to mechanical problems, according to a statement
from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
The A330 type aircraft was carrying 173 passengers, including two infants, and 13 crew members
on flight TK 183, according to a statement from Turkish Airlines.
The plane landed at Dulles at about 7:15 a.m. and fire crews checked it out. No hazards were
found, MWAA spokesperson Rob Yingling said.
After about two hours of troubleshooting the problems without resolution, the passengers were
bused to a secure airport lounge where they would have more space, bathrooms, and power ports,
according to the MWAA statement.
Yingling said the plane won't be ready to fly again until Friday morning or later. The airline is
working to find overnight accommodations for the passengers and crew.
US Customs and Border Protection was clearing the passengers to enter the country, Yingling said.
CBP later announced that all aboard the flight had been fully vetted and inspected and they would
all be staying in local hotels overnight, said Steve Sapp, CBP Public Affairs Officer.
http://wjla.com/news/local/turkish-airlines-flight-from-istanbul-to-cuba-diverted-to-dulles-with-
mechanical-problems
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The 8 most highly regarded airlines in the world
Air France
Air France is one of the most respected airlines in the world.Shutterstock / roibu
While pricing and safety are two important measures to consider when choosing an airline, there
are far more factors that contribute to a customer - or an employee's - opinion of a company.
Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies survey for 2017 looked at 1,500 of the most highly
regarded and respected businesses in the world within a range of industries, asking executives,
directors, and analysts to rate each company based on nine criteria.
The criteria included investment value, quality of management and products, social responsibility,
and the ability to attract talent.
These are the most admired and respected airlines in the world, according to Fortune's survey.
Note: To produce the ranking, Fortune looked at 1,000 of the largest US companies based on
revenue as well as the non-US companies in their Fortune Global 500 database with revenues of
$10 billion (£8 billion) or more.
8. ANA Holdings
An ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner.Shutterstock / Steve Heap
The Tokyo-based ANA Holdings controls airlines including ANA (All Nippon Airways), Air Japan, and
Vanilla Air.
ANA is Japan's largest carrier, with more than 250 aircrafts flying more than 50 million passengers
a year. It is one of just nine airlines to hold Skytrax's highly coveted five-star designation.
7. Southwest Airlines
LM Otero/AP
The American Southwest Airlines came in seventh place in the world for its reputation. It operates
a single type of aircraft - a Boeing 737 - and uses a low-cost business model, with no baggage
fees.
Earlier this month, Warren Buffet invested $2.4 (£1.9) billion in the company.
6. United Continental Holdings
Shutterstock / verzellenberg
United Airlines is one of the most well-known airlines not only in the US, but across the globe,
giving it sixth spot. CEO Oscar Munoz has been part of a battle to turn the airline's image around
since he took charge, stating earlier this year that the company needed to regain the trust of its
employees.
5. Lufthansa Group
Shutterstock / Tupungato
German airline Lufthansa is the biggest airline in Europe and is known for its exceptional service
across 197 international destinations. In November, it came in 11th place in AirHelp Score's list of
the best and most punctual airlines in the world.
The Lufthansa Group also operates Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary which came in third in AirHelp's
survey, Air Dolomiti, one of Italy's regional airlines which came in second, as well as SWISS and
Brussels Airlines.
4. Singapore Airlines
Flickr/Aero Icarus
Singapore Airlines was the fourth best and most punctual airline in the world, according to AirHelp.
It was one of the few to earn full marks for its quality and service, which could have contributed to
the respect and admiration it holds around the world.
3. Cathay Pacific Airways
Condé Nast Traveler
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific is the third most respected airline company, according to Fortune.
It was given top marks for quality and service in AirHelp Score's list in November, and also last
year received high marks from Skytrax for seat comfort, service quality, and in-flight
entertainment.
2. Air France-KLM Group
Shutterstock / roibu
The Paris-based company is known for its brands, Air France and KLM, but also owns airlines like
Transavia.
The former won awards in 2016 for Best First Class Airline Lounge Dining and Best First Class
Comfort Amenities. It also came in 12th place in the 2016 ranking of the best and most punctual
airlines in the world.
Netherlands airline KLM, on the other hand, which came in fifth place, has one of the best safety
records, and is extremely punctual, with 88% of fights arriving and departing on time.
1. Delta Air Lines
Shutterstock / Markus Mainka
The most admired airline in the world is the Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, which has become one
of the world's largest global airlines. It is known for rewarding its employees - earlier this month,
the company announced its 85,000 workers would receive $1.1 (£877.5) billion in profit sharing.
http://www.businessinsider.com/fortune-most-admired-airlines-in-the-world-2017-
2?r=UK&IR=T/#8-ana-holdings-1
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Ethiopian Airlines graduates 184 aviation professionals
Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy (EAA) has graduated 184 aviation professionals to raise
capacity and improve services of African airlines.
In this round, 90 graduates are from Cabin Crew and Catering, 84 from Commercial and Ground
Operations Training School and the rest are trained on Equipment and Facility Maintenance.
Group Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Tewolde GebreMariam, at a ceremony held recently,
stressed that education is the greatest equalizer in our highly integrated world today. And for this
reason, the airline is putting great emphasis in training young Ethiopians and their African brothers
and sisters in order to enable them develop the required global standard qualification to fly
successful African Airlines.
Tewolde said: "We are very proud of our Aviation Academy's achievements and global standard
capabilities in various professions in the Aviation industry. In line with our vision 2025, we are
expanding the capacity of the Academy to accommodate from 1,000 today to 4,000 students by
2025.
"Today's graduation is a continuation of this long journey. I take this opportunity to congratulate
the graduates and their families and friends. I also thank the Academy staff for their hard work
and achievements," he said.
Ethiopian Aviation Academy is certified by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and IATA Safety Audit
(IOSA). The Academy has been providing training for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians,
cabin crew, marketing personnel and leadership development trainees for Ethiopians and other
nationals from Africa, Middle East and Asia for more than seven decades.
In a related development, Ethiopian Airlines will host the ICAO Global Aviation Training and
TRAINAIR PLUS Symposium with the theme: "Together, Enhancing Training to Build Capacity" at
the seat of the African Union, Addis Ababa from April 11 through 13, 2017.
https://guardian.ng/business-services/ethiopian-airlines-graduates-184-aviation-professionals/
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ICAO will revaluate Thai red flag status
BANGKOK, 24 February 2017: International Civil Aviation Organisation is due to conduct a security
inspection of Thailand's aviation 30 June.
According the National News Bureau of Thailand, Transport Minister, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith,
met with executives from 15 Thai airlines to notify them of the up-coming inspection.
He expressed confidence that Thailand's aviation would be given a clean bill of health on aviation
and safety supervision prompting the country's removal from the ICAO red flag list.
inside no 1The country has been on the red-flag list since June 2015 when ICAO notified Thailand's
Department of Civil Aviation (now defunct) that its supervision of the industry was substandard.
Nepal is the only other country red flagged by ICAO in the Asia Pacific. region At the time, 13
nations were flagged as substandard in their supervision of aviation safety.
Today, only eight nations remain on the red-flag list including Thailand and Nepal.
The 30th June inspection will focus on 33 key areas of Thailand's aviation industry according to the
Ministry of Transport.
The minister said a civil aviation bill is being finalised and will be promulgated soon, a move that is
likely boost ICAO's confidence in the government's ability to supervise aviation standards.
A United Nations' agency representing 190 country members, ICAO red flagged Thailand for
"significant safety concern" following an unsatisfactory auditing of the country's aviation safety
inspection standards.
At the time ICAO said: "Significant safety concerns (SSC) does not necessarily indicate a particular
safety deficiency in the air navigation service providers, airlines (air operators), aircraft or
aerodrome[s]; but, rather, indicates that the state is not providing sufficient safety oversight to
ensure the effective implementation of applicable ICAO standards."
But the ICAO red flag did have an impact on airlines based in Thailand when in March 2016 Japan
suspended talks on route expansion, or flight increases by Thai carriers that served Japan.
inside no 1.1It immediately scuttled plans by low-cost airlines to start services to Japanese cities,
particularly impacting on Thai AirAsia and Nok Air.
During the 2015 evaluation, Thailand suffered particularly low scores in two ICAO measurements -
operations and organisation.
In operations, or the "state's ability to properly oversee airlines under its jurisdiction", it measured
a low 10.71% compared to the global average of 54.94%.
As for organisational structure, it scored 7.69% compared with the global average of 66.9%
according to ICAO ratings.
To strengthen its 'organisation' performance, the Thai government replaced the Department of
Civil Aviation, 1 October 2015, with the independent entity, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand,
that covers airport and airline regulatory standards and the Department of Airports that manages
30 airports that were previously under the DCA.
http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2017/02/icao-will-revaluate-thai-red-flag-status/
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Minister Marc Garneau shines light on serious safety issue (Canada)
Canadians expect and deserve to feel safe when travelling by air. As Canada celebrates over 100
years of aviation history on Feb. 23, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport stressed
the importance of a serious safety concern that we must address collectively: laser strikes.
Garneau was joined by Parliamentary Secretary Karen McCrimmon and the president of the
Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner and
the president, Air Line Pilots Association Canada to remind Canadians of this important safety issue
as part of the National Aviation Day celebrations in Ottawa. Garneau urged Canadians who witness
someone pointing a laser at an aircraft to report it to law enforcement immediately.
Transport Canada is working with law enforcement across the country to reduce the number of
laser strikes and to prosecute reckless individuals who jeopardize the safety of aircraft passengers,
flight crew and people on the ground.
"I'm very concerned about the frequency of laser incidents," said Garneau. "Transport Canada is
working closely with law enforcement and the aviation industry to address this serious issue, which
poses an extremely serious threat to aviation safety. I encourage Canadians to report laser strikes
to law enforcement and help us keep people in the sky and on the ground safe."
Pointing a laser at aircraft is a serious crime with serious consequences. Offenders could face up to
$100,000 in fines and up to five years in prison or both penalties.
"Police services across the country are committed making sure communities are safe," said Mario
Harel, Gatineau Police chief and president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. "Laser
strikes on aircraft jeopardize safety for all of us and we will continue to treat them as a serious
threat. We are working with partners to ensure we can respond to these incidents and bring swift
justice to those responsible."
Canada has one of the safest air transportation systems in the world. As part of Transport
Canada's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve aviation safety, the department is seeking the
help of Canadians to assist law enforcement in gathering valuable information to find and
prosecute individuals who put aviation safety at risk.
"Shining a laser at an aircraft could pose significant safety risks for both pilots and passengers,"
said Capt Dan Adamus, president, Air Line Pilots Association Canada. "ALPA has been working for
years with the federal government and industry stakeholders in order to raise awareness on this
serious issue. We strongly support combined efforts that focus on education, reporting, law
enforcement, and technology in order to protect air transportation."
Canadians are encouraged to visit www.tc.gc.ca/NotABrightIdea to learn more about the dangers
and consequences of laser strikes.
Quick facts
Lasers can distract pilots by causing glares that affect their vision, or temporarily blind them; and
Approximately 450 laser strike incidents were reported to Transport Canada in 2016.
"Laser attacks on aircraft are a serious and growing concern. The OPP take these actions very
seriously and if the person(s) responsible are identified, they will be held accountable for their
actions," said Brad Blair, Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner, Provincial Commander of
Traffic Safety and Operational Support.
https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/minister-marc-garneau-shines-light-serious-safety-
issue/#sthash.YdkAbcoS.dpuf
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Federal agents ask domestic flight passengers to show IDs in search for undocumented
immigrant
A Delta Air Lines flight that landed in New York was greeted by law enforcement officials who
asked every passenger to show identification as they got off the plane. Here, a Delta airplane is
shown in Detroit, in this file photo from 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Thursday that their agents requested to see the
identification of domestic flight passengers landing at a New York airport Wednesday night as they
searched for an undocumented immigrant who had received a deportation order to leave the
United States.
According to the agency, two CBP agents asked passengers who had been on Delta Flight 1583
from San Francisco to show their identification while deplaning after landing at John F. Kennedy
Airport at about 8 p.m. Wednesday. The search was conducted at the request of Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, CBP said in a statement, but the person they were seeking was not on the
flight.
A CBP spokesperson said that the undocumented individual, who they did not publicly identify,
received a deportation order after multiple criminal convictions for domestic assault, driving while
impaired, and violating a protective order.
The search prompted several passengers to post photos online, and it raised questions about
whether it was connected to current federal law enforcement efforts to locate, detain and deport
undocumented immigrants - a push that has intensified at the direction of President Trump.
A spokesperson for Delta did not respond to a request for comment.
Jordan Wells, a staff attorney with the New York Civil Liberties Union, said that law enforcement
officials sometimes board airplanes to apprehend a suspect or a fugitive, he said it would be
unusual for authorities to wait outside an arriving airplane and to ask for identification for each
passenger.
"They'll occasionally pull someone off of a flight, or officers will come on and make an arrest,"
Wells said. "It's a much more surgical thing than setting up a dragnet. That's what is so alarming
about the way that this played out."
It is unclear what would have happened had officials found other undocumented immigrants
getting off the airplane and whether they would have faced deportation if identified. It is also
unclear what would have happened to any passenger who refused to produce his or her
identification for the agents.
"Is this a mere request to see identification?" Wells said. "Would they have been detained but for
them showing ID? Because then it's no longer a consensual encounter and the Constitution enters
the equation."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/02/23/federal-agents-ask-domestic-
flight-passengers-to-show-ids-in-search-for-undocumented-immigrant/?utm_term=.74764a425f32
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Has my pilot had too much to drink? It depends where you fly
Every country has different rules on pilot alcohol consumption and testing.
How much alcohol is too much for a pilot who's about to take flight?
Believe it or not, the answer varies depending on where your flight departs from -- and where it
lands.
There are no standardized international rules on pilot alcohol consumption and testing. Instead,
the International Civil Aviation Organization issues guidance and then countries set their own
regulations, limits, testing regimes and punishments.
Despite being a rarity, it's an issue that has received extra attention after a series of high profile
incidents. In late December, a pilot was found passed out in the cockpit before a scheduled Boeing
737 flight in Canada. In mid-2016, two pilots were arrested in Scotland on suspicion of violating
alcohol rules before a flight to New Jersey.
The December arrest prompted Canada to take another look at its rules. The European Union is
also considering changes.
Here's a look at how the rules work:
Who can fly
In India, which boasts the world's strictest rules, pilots aren't allowed to drink within 12 hours of a
flight and must have absolutely zero alcohol in their system.
"0.001% is also a violation," said Lalit Gupta, a senior official at India's Directorate General of Civil
Aviation.
In the U.S., pilots are allowed to have a trace amount of alcohol in their system -- up to 0.04%
blood alcohol concentration -- and must have eight hours between "bottle to throttle". (The 0.04%
level is half the 0.08% legal limit for U.S. drivers on the roads.)
Who gets tested and when
Alcohol testing also varies by country: India subjects pilots to a breathalyzer test before each of its
2 million annual flights, while the U.S. conducts between 11,000 to 13,000 random alcohol checks
in a typical year.
The U.S. tests caught 10 pilots violating the rules in 2015.
India's stricter regulations caught 46 pilots in 2016, according to the country's Directorate General
of Civil Aviation.
"If you set a zero percent tolerance limit and test everyone, you're going to have more positives,"
said James Stamp, global head of aviation at KPMG. "It's just a fact."
In Europe, each nation sets their own alcohol rules and then airlines develop and implement
compliance procedures.
Safety risk
Testing can help ground pilots before they do any real damage. But there are still documented
cases of alcohol contributing to aviation accidents.
The most comprehensive data, from consulting firm JACDEC, showed there were 11 commercial
aviation accidents linked to alcohol since 1980, out of a total of nearly 12,000 incidents.
The private accident-tracking group Aviation Safety Network counted five global commercial
aviation accidents linked to alcohol since 1980.
The most recent documented commercial incident occurred in east Russia in 2012. A small plane
crash killed 10 of the 14 people on board, and alcohol was later found in the blood of its two crew
members.
An earlier Russian crash, in 2011, killed 47 people. The incident was linked to alcohol, leading
authorities to revoke the airline's license.
Still, only a tiny fraction of aviation accidents are linked to alcohol.
"Let's be fair, air travel has become an extremely, extremely safe way of travel," said Jan Richter,
founder of JACDEC.
That's a sentiment echoed by pilots unions, which defend current regulations as sufficient.
"Instances of substance abuse are extremely rare among the approximately 100,000 professional
airline pilots in the United States who safely fly passengers and cargo on more than 27,000 flights
every day," the U.S.-based Air Line Pilots Association said in a statement.
New regulations?
Stricter regulations are on the way, however, in some countries.
Canada's transport minister has pledged to "enhance aviation safety" after the December incident
in which a pilot was charged with having control of an aircraft while impaired.
Europe's top regulator is also expected to introduce rules requiring more systematic alcohol tests
later this year.
The changes are a response to the 2015 Germanwings crash that killed 150 people. The plane's
co-pilot, who was being treated for depression, crashed the aircraft into the French Alps. The crash
has not been linked to alcohol, but it prompted officials to get more serious about testing pilots to
ensure they're fit to fly.
Russia is also reportedly considering stricter pilot testing, but the country's regulators did not
respond to requests for comment.
The modern U.S. rules on testing were implemented in response to several alcohol-related
accidents in the late 1980s.
A number of countries are looking to reform their drug and alcohol regulations for pilots.
Crime and punishment
There are also differences in the punishments doled out to pilots found to be violating alcohol
rules.
In India, pilots have their license suspended for three months after a first offense, and three years
after a second offense. A third offense means they're booted from the profession for life. India
does not offer a rehabilitation program for pilots.
Meanwhile, pilots caught in the U.S. are more likely to face criminal charges and must reapply for
their pilot's license after successfully completing a rehab program.
The U.S. substance abuse program for pilots is run by industry unions, aviation firms and the
Federal Aviation Administration. The program has helped rehabilitate over 4,500 professional
pilots, according to the program's administrators.
http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/24/news/pilots-alcohol-drink-rules/
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Embraer Phenom 300 most delivered business jet 4th year in a row
Embraer Executive Jets delivered 63 Phenom 300 light jets in 2016.
An Embraer Phenom 300 at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in October 2016 (Embraer photo)
São José dos Campos, Brazil - Embraer Executive Jets delivered 63 Phenom 300 light jets in 2016,
the highest volume of any business jet model for the year, according to a report made by the
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). This is the fourth consecutive year that the
Phenom 300 achieves this mark, and it has accumulated 266 deliveries since 2013.
"We are elated to once again see the Phenom 300 receive such an important recognition from the
market. We are very grateful to our customers for the validation of both the aircraft's original
design as well as all their input, which has made this jet the best in its class," said Paulo Cesar
Silva, Embraer CEO. "Our customers' reaffirmation of trust in us only strengthens our resolve to
deliver the best customer experience."
In seven years of operation, the Phenom 300 fleet is approaching the 400 aircraft mark, having
sustained more than half of the light jet market share since 2012. The aircraft is in operation in 30
countries and has accumulated close to 500,000 flight hours. Embraer is continuously investing in
its competitiveness with enhancements to its comfort, technology, and operational efficiency.
The Phenom 300 is one of the fastest light jets, having established several speed records with the
National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
With a high-speed cruise of 453kts and a six-occupant range of 1,971nm (3,650km) with NBAA
IFR reserves, the Phenom 300 performs among the top light jets. The aircraft can fly at 45,000ft
(13,716m), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,200 lb of thrust each.
The Phenom 300's cabin, designed in partnership with BMW Designworks USA, offers large
baggage compartment, large windows for abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the
private lavatory. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced
by 6,600ft. maximum cabin altitude pressurization. The Phenom 300 features distinct temperature
zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment center, voice and data
communications options, and an entertainment system.
The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch
Flight Deck. The also features single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.
http://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/embraer-phenom-300-most-delivered-
4th-year-022417/
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Business Jet Deliveries Drop to Lowest Level Since 2004
Year-end shipment numbers released by GAMA point to a market in transition.
Business jet deliveries in 2016 were at their lowest in more than a decade.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association today released year-end aircraft shipment and
billing numbers for 2016 that paint a picture of an industry in transition - if not outright turmoil -
with business jet deliveries reaching their lowest level since 2004.
Airplane shipments globally fell 3.9 percent, from 2,331 units in 2015 to 2,241 units in 2016 from
the same reporting companies, whereas airplane billings declined 14.1 percent versus 2015
numbers, from $24.1 billion to $20.7 billion.
GAMA attributed the sharp drop in billings to the development of several new business jet models
that have yet to reach the market, as well as soft pricing for used jets that continue to weigh on
the industry.
Turboprop shipments provided a lone bright spot in the numbers, experiencing an increase from
557 airplanes delivered in 2015 to 576 units in 2016 for the same reporting companies, a 3.4
percent increase.
Piston airplane shipments declined from 1,056 units in 2015 to 1,004 units in 2016, a reduction of
4.9 percent for the same reporting companies.
"The 2016 year-end results were disappointing overall, although we did see some blue sky in the
turboprop sector," GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. "As we look toward 2017 and
beyond, we are optimistic about the future and encouraged by the number of companies investing
in innovative research and development programs and planning to bring new products to market."
Cirrus Aircraft, meanwhile, reported wrapping up its best year in recent memory as the Duluth,
Minnesota, manufacturer delivered 317 SR-series piston airplanes, making it the top-selling GA
aircraft maker by units sold, and handed over the first three SF50 Vision single-engine jets to
customers.
Large-cabin jets buyers have been waiting for include the Gulfstream G500 and G600, Dassault
Falcon 8X, Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 and Cessna Longitude and Hemisphere.
Turbine helicopter deliveries, excluding Leonardo shipments in either year, because 2016 won't be
available until next month, were down by 120 units, to 637 last year, while and piston helicopter
shipments were down 20 percent to 224. Billings by reporting helicopter manufacturers dipped by
$200 million, to $3.6 billion, with a large portion of the drop attributed to turbulence in the oil and
gas sector.
http://www.flyingmag.com/business-jet-deliveries-drop-to-lowest-level-since-2004
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Air Force Stumped by Trump's Claim of $1 Billion Savings on Jet
Cost estimates for a new Air Force One still being refined
Service awards next contracts for design, aircraft by June 30
Trump and Boeing CEO Muilenburg Talk Air Force One
The Air Force can't account for $1 billion in savings that President Donald Trump said he's
negotiated for the program to develop, purchase and operate two new Boeing Co. jets to serve as
Air Force One.
"To my knowledge I have not been told that we have that information," Colonel Pat Ryder, an Air
Force spokesman, told reporters Wednesday when asked how Trump had managed to reduce the
price for the new presidential plane. "I refer you to the White House," Ryder said. A White House
spokesman didn't respond to repeated inquiries about Trump's comments.
Trump has boasted that he's personally intervened to cut costs of two military aircraft -- the F-35,
the fighter jet built by Lockheed Martin Corp., and Boeing's Air Force One.
"They were close to signing a $4.2 billion deal to have a new Air Force One," Trump said at a rally
on Saturday in Florida. "Can you believe this? I said, 'No way.' I said, 'I refuse to fly in a $4.2
billion airplane. I refuse.'"
Instead, Trump said, "we got that price down by over $1 billion, and I probably haven't spoken, to
be honest with you, for more than an hour on the project. I got the generals in, who are fantastic.
I got Boeing in. But I told Boeing it's not good enough. We're not going to do it. The price is still
too high."
Early Stages
The program to replace the aging Air Force One is in its early stages, and the service is still
working to refine its "Acquisition Program Baseline" -- the metrics needed to say how much the
program may cost.
Ryder said Boeing is now operating under an initial $172 million contract to work on "risk reduction
activities." The service expects to award contracts by June 30 for preliminary aircraft design and
for the two unmodified 747-8 aircraft that will be adapted as Air Force One.
In January, Defense Secretary James Mattis ordered a review of how to "substantially reduce the
program's costs."
Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher said in an e-mail, "We are committed to working the Trump
administration and Defense Department on innovative approaches to affordably provide the
capabilities America's military needs."
The White House Military Office, not the Air Force, will set the aircraft's requirements for advanced
security, communications and accommodations, Ryder said. The presidential plane is a flying
fortress, equipped with advanced electronic countermeasures and able to refuel in midair to
remain aloft in a national emergency.
Its communications systems can securely place the president in contact with virtually anyone in
the world and command the U.S. military, including its nuclear arsenal, while in flight.
So far, the Air Force has budgeted about $1.6 billion through 2019 for the Air Force One program.
It decided in 2015 to let Boeing build the jets without competition because it had the only U.S.-
built passenger plane that could be adapted for the purpose. But the service said it would provide
for bidding on specialized equipment such as advanced electronics and communications.
https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-02-22/air-force-stumped-by-trump-s-claim-of-
1-billion-savings-on-jet
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Inaugural U.S. - China General Aviation Business Conference Scheduled for March 25-31
This event will be attended by many officials from China who are tasked with growing that
countries burgeoning general aviation market
CHINO, Calif. (February 15, 2017) - China is poised to become one of the largest markets in the
world for general aviation. The country's growing wealth, huge population, dynamic economy and
vast size makes it fertile ground for the unique travel solutions provided by general and business
aviation.
China for the first time has moved towards loosening its restrictions on general aviation especially
with the latest announcement of the opening of newly increased flying area of 200 kilometer radius
(108 nautical or 125 statute miles). The Chinese Government has also announced ambitious plans
to take advantage of the economic and job creation opportunities that general aviation
represents.
"This is a first opportunity for U.S. based companies to meet the people in China who are
responsible to a great extent to grow the aviation business in China," said Dr. Yuanyang Gao
Director, General Aviation Industry Research Center, Beijing University of Aeronautics and
Astronautics, Deputy Secretary General, AOPA-China. "And represents an opportunity for U.S.
companies to share their expertise in an area that is new to China - general aviation."
If China is to grow its general aviation industry it literally needs assistance with everything
involved in the infrastructure and the supply chain. The U.S. China General Aviation Business
Conference will take place from March 25 - 31 in Southern California and already has confirmed
the participation of more than 30 representatives from Chinese Government agencies, investment,
airport operations, and academia who have been tasked with growing that country's general and
business aviation sector.
There are two main opportunities for U.S. Companies to interact with Chinese attendees: the
conference day at the Embassy Suites in Brea, CA on March 27th and the Aviation Expo at
Threshold Aviation at Chino Airport, CA on March 28th.
Threshold is very pleased to be hosting this important event and we look forward to having many
of our friends and other stake-holders in the industry attend and exhibit, to take advantage of this
amazing opportunity to develop business ties with the Chinese people in aviation." Said Mark
DiLullo, Founder and CEO of Threshold Aviation.
For information on the event please visit FlyTTI.com and click on the link for the General Aviation
Business Conference.
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edrmowo6364f1f5c&llr=z6pik9jab
About Threshold Aviation Group
Based in Chino, California, Threshold Aviation Group is one of the largest providers of
maintenance, operational and related services to aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers,
lenders, governments, fractional operators, insurance companies, airlines, jet charter companies
and individuals throughout the world. Services encompass private jet management, aircraft
charter, aircraft maintenance, inspections and overhaul, AOG services, business jet completions
both interior and exterior and inspections, modifications, avionics, full FBO services, acquisitions
and operational management.
A market niche that Threshold has utilized for over 15 years is that of purchasing Business Jet
Aircraft that need maintenance inspections, repairs, avionics, engine modifications, or interior
upgrades. During the last 15 years, we have purchased more than 50 aircraft from around the
world. These aircraft were purchased and re-positioned to our Chino facility where we utilize our
full-service maintenance team to conduct the required repairs or upgrades, after which the aircraft
are sold.
Threshold's fuel, 150,000 sq.ft. of hangar and significant ramp storage, maintenance and related
costs are among the lowest on the West Coast. This has resulted in a loyal following of customers
and clients for over 25 years.
Threshold is a philanthropic minded company who benefits the surround community with a annual
Christmas gathering for thousands of children and their families with hot food and many presents
for all ages. Threshold participates in numerous other community events throughout the year as
well. Please see www.flytti.com for more information.
*****************
Inaugural U.S. - China General Aviation Business Conference
March 25-31
Brea and Chino, California
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edrmowo6364f1f5c&llr=z6pik9jab
Curt Lewis